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What were your expectations, and did you have any concerns?
I had never been on a
group vacation before so I wasn't quite sure what to expect. I had pretty
much decided that I would be a loner and just focus on Mind and Body. Well,
thankfully, that didn't pan out because I ended up making some friends for
life and having some great experiences that I couldn't have alone. Before
signing up the first time, I was also slightly concerned that the vacation
would be all work and no play and that when we arrived Sonki would transform
into a mean drill sergeant like Sgt. Hulka from "Stripes." Luckily, that
didn't pan out either. Sonki has found the perfect balance of work and
play for the trip. As he says, there are two words here: Fitness AND
vacation. You get both. And no matter how hard you play (or drink like
you're in college), you always burn it off and then some. Ah, the magic of
Hawaii!
What made you want to go again?
I had such a great time
the first year that I couldn't wait to go again. But I admit that I was
nervous that a second year couldn't live up to the first. Well, it did.
And each year kept getting better and better. Plus the trip delivered on
its promise: "the only vacation where you will come
home in better shape."
It's true. I have consistently lost about four lbs. on each trip and went
home noticeably more toned and lean.
What is your most memorable experience?
There's nothing like
making it to the top of Koko Crater (aka the Stairmaster to Heaven). It's
something like 1200 step to the top! Crazy! It's the grand finale of all
the workouts and early in the week Sonki drives you past it so you can see
what you have to conquer. It's great motivation. I always celebrate at
the top of Koko Crater by smoking a nice cigar. (Granted, not the epitome
of fitness, but sometimes what's bad for the body is good for the soul)
What is your funniest experience?
The whole experience is
fun. I think the best kept secret of Sonki fitness is the sheer amount of
laughter that takes place. In fact, I was doubled over with laughter so
much this past year that it was the equivalent of 1000 sit-ups! Somehow
this trip always seems to attract people with great spirits and with a great
sense of humor. And occasionally it attracts people who like silly string
or who have a business card that actually says "Ambassador of Beer." I kid
you not.
What is your favorite activity on Sonki Fitness Vacation?
I love the hikes and
there's a nice variety of them. Besides Koko Crater there is also a hike
through a jungle and a hike up the side of a rocky mountain. Sonki has
incorporated a wide range of activities (hikes, beach days, group training,
water sports) so that sometimes you forget how hard you're actually working
out.
What do you like about Sonki Fitness Vacation?
From the moment you
arrive, you're in a relaxed state of mind and with Sonki as your host you
never have to think or plan anything. It's far more relaxing than a regular
vacation even with all the workouts thrown in. But by far the best part
about the Sonki Fitness Vacation is the camaraderie and friendships that
develop. The trip has a whole summer camp vibe to it and you really do
develop friendships for life. We have a great time and on occasion some of
us do party like rock stars (optional, of course), but even so, we still
show up for all of the workouts and we all go home in better shape.
What advice would you give to others about Sonki Fitness Vacation?
My advice would be: SIGN
UP! And be prepared to laugh...and to catapult food at nice
restaurants...and to do Saki Bombs (aka Sonki Bombs)...and to get covered in
silly string...and to laugh some more...and to completely unwind...and to
see beautiful sites....and to get in shape the old fashioned way -- by
having fun doing it.
Any other comments?
In three years of the
Sonki Fitness vacation, I've seen all kinds of Sonki "warriors" who have
signed up: young, old, married, single, in great shape, looking to get in
any kind of shape, East coasters, West Coasters, Ozzies, doctors, lawyers,
teachers, cheerleaders, Ambassadors of Beer, college students, etc. but no
one ever feels out of place. It's a big tent filled with people who have
one common goal: get in better shape and have a good time doing it. And as
for Sonki -- our leader, coach, motivator, and tour guide -- I'd like to
quote from "Stripes" once again. It's a from a scene where new recruit Bill
Murray is talking about Sgt. Hulka (we'll replace him with Sonki):
"An
army without leaders is like a foot without a big toe. And Sonki is always
gonna be here to be that big toe for us. I think that we owe a big round of
applause to our newest, bestest buddy, and big toe... Sonki!"
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Sonki Fitness